How to Determine When You Can Make a U-Turn at an Intersection?
2 Answers
You can make a U-turn at intersections with U-turn signs. Here are the relevant details: 1. U-turn signs: If an intersection has a U-turn sign, you can make a U-turn. If there are no traffic lights, you should make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. As long as there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, and the center of the road is not a solid line, you can confidently make a U-turn. 2. Yellow grid lines: Vehicles cannot stop in areas with yellow grid lines, but they can make U-turns there. As long as there are no central road barriers, yellow grid lines are equivalent to allowing U-turns. While driving, it’s common to see many drivers making U-turns directly from straight lanes, which is illegal.
When I approach an intersection intending to make a U-turn, I first carefully observe traffic signs, such as whether there are clear no-U-turn icons. If present, I absolutely must not proceed. Next, I check the traffic lights—a green light generally permits a U-turn, but I confirm there are no arrow signals prohibiting it. I also inspect road markings: dashed lines indicate a safe U-turn zone, while solid lines are strictly off-limits. Before executing the maneuver, I scan left and right to ensure no oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, especially at busy intersections where extra caution is needed. My habit is to choose areas with dedicated U-turn lanes or wide openings to avoid blind spots obstructing visibility. If uncertain, I slow down, wait, or take an alternate route—safety always comes first. Practicing multiple times at quiet intersections helps sharpen judgment.
